SENIOR North Yorkshire Police officers and support staff were going "back to the beat" today in York.

More than 40 members of the force are on the city's streets to experience policing the "front line" and the everyday challenges officers face.

The move is part of a leadership programme designed to develop the skills of senior uniformed staff, ranked at inspector and above, as well as office-bound civilian support staff.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Bagshaw said the unusual training day underlined the force's commitment at all levels to tackling crime and improving people's lives.

He said: "I think it is vitally important that senior members of staff keep in touch with the realities of life on the beat. We will be focusing on front-line activities including going out on patrol and dealing with every-day issues such as anti-social behaviour, begging, and drug abuse.

"We will also be involved in the execution of search and arrest warrants as part of Operational Delivery, and visiting retail premises to reinforce our message about crime prevention.

"But this not just about returning to our roots as police officers. It is also about developing management skills, team working and engaging with the public at a direct personal level."

Operation Delivery, which aims to step up law enforcement across the county, has now secured more than 2,000 arrests since September.

Updated: 14:22 Tuesday, November 18, 2003